TEXAS BOATER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Every Texas Boater born on or after September 1, 1993, must successfully complete an approved Boater Education Course. This law is in effect for boats of 15 horsepower and more, windblown vessels over 14 feet and personal watercraft (Jet Ski).

People who need to complete a boater education course are:

If you were born on or after September 1, 1993:

• You must successfully complete an approved Boater Education Course to operate alone, or be accompanied by a person 18 years or older.
• Age requirements or exemptions no longer apply since July 2011 changes to the law.

See the News release of 2011 changes and current courses available.

Accompanied means under the direct supervision and on board the vessel during operation.

Proof of Certification and picture identification are required while operating a boat.

From the TPWD July 2011 news release:

Texas' state-approved boater education course is available as a one-day, classroom training, as a home-study course or as an online course at www.boat-ed.com. The course takes about six hours to complete. Costs range from $13 for classroom course to about $25 for the home-study course. Information about boater education, including schedules of upcoming classroom courses, is available at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/boater_education/.

Boaters falling under the boater education requirement will be required to carry a valid ID and documentation of having taken and passed a boater education course. Failure to meet the requirements is a Class C misdemeanor, and violators have 90 days to complete a boater education course to have the charges dismissed.

The 82nd Texas Legislature clarified the definition of a vessel to encompass such craft as standup paddle craft, kayaks and canoes. In Texas public waters everyone onboard a vessel that measures less than 26-feet in length must have a life jacket available and kids under 13 must wear one.